- The dramatic collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.
- The lightning offensive led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allies culminating in the fall of Damascus.
- The rise and dominance of HTS within the new political structures.
- The formal appointment of HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa as interim president.
- The establishment of the 23-member transitional government in March 2025.
- The composition of the new cabinet, including HTS loyalists controlling strategic ministries and inclusion of technocrats and former regime figures.
- The promulgation of the new Constitutional Declaration on March 13, 2025, as an interim constitution.
- The establishment of a highly centralized presidential system with extensive powers for President al-Sharaa.
- The role of Islamic jurisprudence as "the main" source of legislation in the new framework.
- Concerns regarding HTS's underlying ideology, governing practices, and lack of inclusivity towards minorities and secular groups.
- The deeply fractured security landscape and the challenge of unifying armed factions.
- The powerful Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and its relationship with the new government and HTS.
- The status of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the stalled integration agreement, and ongoing clashes with the SNA.
- Alarming eruptions of sectarian violence, specifically targeting Alawite communities in March 2025 and Druze communities in April/May 2025.
- Persistent security threats from weakened ISIS remnants and pro-Assad insurgents.
- The catastrophic state of Syria's economy, marked by widespread poverty, ruined infrastructure, and liquidity crisis.
- The significant impact of international sanctions, particularly the US Caesar Act, on economic recovery and investment.
- The immense humanitarian situation, with millions requiring assistance and challenges faced by returning IDPs and refugees.
- The reconfigured regional power map, with Turkey's ascendant influence and diminished Russian and Iranian roles.
- The uncertainty of Syria's future trajectory, with potential scenarios ranging from authoritarian consolidation to renewed fragmentation.
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